Facebook vs Blog...Facebook wins

Apparently my life has been posted on Facebook but not here. I can't do too many things at once, obviously, and the good intentions of the blog suffered. Oh well, back to it. The kids have all grown and graduated from college since my last post - all are successful business owners, doctors, and parents. HA! Seriously, Ashton is now 9 years old, Mason is 6, and Dax is 4.

Ashton had a super successful 3rd grade year and accomplished tons = perfect attendance and all A honor roll, commended performance on our state academic test (TAKS - yuck!), tackled her fears and learned to ride a bike (last week), and is improving daily in her swimming. She's a super kid with a "tween" attitude so...barring me losing all self-control and locking her in a closet due to her mouth - she should be super successful this next year in 4th grade as well.

Mason taught her school a lot this year. She taught the administrators and a 2nd year teacher that, with a little extra effort, a princess with Down Syndrome can be successfully included in a general education kindergarten class. She was a positive influence on her kinder teacher, who had never taught a special needs child before (not even a speech impairment). That teacher, Danica Schlegel, is EXCELLENT!! She was firm with Mason but loves her with all her heart. We thoroughly appreciate the effort and time that Ms. Schlegel poured into Mason - and Mason learned a lot in the process too. Her special education teacher over the past 3 years was Jess Hankamer and I cannot say enough about Hankie. She is a great teacher and a great friend. I'm sad that Mason has "graduated" or aged out of utilizing her support but excited about our next adventure. Mason is going to repeat kindergarten this next year and will be coming to the campus that I work on. Not only will this make our mornings a lot easier, I'll get to see both of my girls off and on throughout the day and that's always a good thing. In addition to school, Mason played soccer this past fall (won't be doing it again though - she didn't really like it) and did some swimming with the local aquatics club. She will continue with swim next year to prep for Special Olympics in a few years.

Dax. Well Dax is the great big ball of energy that bounces up and down our halls daily. He is a strong little man and is a wonderful little brother. He has passed Mason up physically (10 pounds heavier at least and 4 inches taller) and is helping her with her speech and concepts - as he has also passed her up intellectually. We knew it would happen eventually and I am just thankful that he understands his place in the family system. He doesn't yell at her when she responds slower or get upset when she needs help...he just jumps in and offers support. He teaches her the right words to use and he's always saying, "watch me sister, do it like this." However, he knows that Mason is older and still follows her directions when she barks out orders to him! Dax is excited because next fall he gets to join the swim team and might get to play soccer too. He's SO excited.

Corey finally quit managing CiCi's and is now working at the Surfside Buc-ee's store as their deli manager. We see him MUCH MORE now. I'm still in the school district and am off for the summer - WOOOOOHOOOOOO!

Now it's time to go play outside so toodles.